Market Data
December 30, 2019
Written by Jumana Saleheen
By CRU Chief Economist Jumana Saleheen, from the CRU Steel Sheet Products Market Outlook
Global Economic Outlook: 2019 has been an eventful year. Many decisions were taken, including tariffs and monetary policy easing. Other decisions were put-off, such as Brexit and auto tariffs.
The latest tally of active drilling rigs increased in Canada while slightly easing in the US this week, according to oil and gas rig count data published by Baker Hughes.
SMU’s Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index fell this week, while Future Sentiment remained flat, according to our latest market survey.
The results of the latest Steel Market Update (SMU) flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
The Chicago Business Barometer rebounded in September, returning to expansion after slipping into contraction in August.
Steel mill lead times continued to expand for sheet and plate products this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.